F.A.Q.'S

+ How do I schedule an appointment? Can I schedule one via phone/Facebook/etc?

Please come in to the studio with any reference drawings or photos for an in-person consultation with an artist. This does not need to be scheduled. During the consult, your artist will get a better idea of what it is that you’re trying to do, and be able to discuss placement, size, price, etc. Once you have both agreed on a date and time, we will take a nonrefundable deposit to hold your time slot, and your appointment has been scheduled! The deposit comes off the price of the tattoo, and secures your spot as well as covers the artist’s time and material for preparing your artwork, in the case that you don’t show.

+ Something came up and I must cancel or change my appointment. What do I do?

Let us know ASAP! Whether you call the shop or email your artist, please try to let us know at least 48 hours before your appointment so you can reschedule. If you don’t show up and don’t let us know you’re cancelling, you lose your deposit.

+ Does it hurt?

Yes. Is it terrible? Not usually. Most people describe the feeling as more annoying than anything else. And it’s temporary. Think of it this way- tattoos would not be as popular as they are if they were unbelievably painful. Some spots are worse than others, but ultimately it all depends on the person. You can handle it!

+ How should I prepare for my tattoo?

It’s best to get tattooed in a calm, healthy state. If you’re feeling under the weather, please reschedule your appointment until after you feel better. Make sure you’ve had plenty of rest the night before your appointment, and be sure to eat and drink plenty of water before coming in. A recent shower never hurts either!

+I have a group of people wanting to get tattooed! Should we just come in? Do we get a discount?

If you are trying to schedule time for more than one person at once, we strongly encourage setting an appointment. Tattoos not only take time to do, but they take time to set up and break down, and we want to make sure there is enough time in the day to accommodate your group. There aren’t any group discounts on tattoos or piercings, sorry!

+How much will it cost?

Our skilled artists do all kinds of tattoos from tiny initials to full bodysuits. Approximating a price, especially without having a drawing or size reference, is really hard, if not impossible to do. Therefore, we don’t give tattoo pricing via telephone, Facebook, or email. Our shop minimum is $100 (yes, even for something small), and the hourly rate ranges from $120-180 depending on the artist and the project. Don’t forget, you aren’t just paying for artwork, but for someone handling your blood and bodily fluids. We don’t compromise on health and safety, and neither should you!

+Do you take walk-ins?

Yes! Walk-in clients are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis, while appointments are honored first. If you have an elaborate project or something that will take a lot of drawing, you will most likely need to schedule an appointment. If it’s something we can do right away without rushing, we will happily take care of you!

+Who should I schedule my appointment with?

We have a solid staff of artists with a lot of experience. They each have styles they specialize in or prefer to do. Feel free to browse through their portfolios to get an idea of each person’s work, as not every artist will suit the needs of your tattoo. Additionally, please understand that each artist is different, and has different comfort levels with certain placements and styles, and they want the tattoos they do to look great not just today, but 10 years from now. This means that an artist may tell you “no”, or that an idea is not possible in certain sizes or placements. This is not that someone is being arrogant, but they are looking out for you and for their work in the long term.

+ I’m 16, but my parents are okay with me getting tattooed. Can I get tattooed?

In the state of Illinois, you must be 18 to get tattooed. Sorry!

+ I don’t know what I want. Do you have books?

We don’t keep flash books on site in the shop. Take your time to do some research and gather ideas! If you like an artist’s style, aren’t picky, and just want something new, come by and talk with them and see what they can put together.

+ Can I get tattooed while I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Nope. Your body goes through a ton of changes during pregnancy, and it is best to let it focus on building the new baby. You may be able to get tattooed while breastfeeding, but not until at least 6 months postpartum.

+ Can you do tattoo parties at my house?

Nope! This is illegal in the state of Illinois, and just poor practice.

+ How do I take care of my tattoo?

Always follow the specific instructions given by your tattoo artist, and feel free to contact them with any questions. If you are bandaged with Saniderm, keep this on for about 3 days, and then gently peel it off. It may help to do this in the shower. If you’re bandaged with a regular bandage, you may remove this as soon as you get home. Once you’ve removed any bandages (either style), gently clean the tattoo with warm (not hot) water and unscented soap, and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not re-wrap or bandage the tattoo after this, unless explicitly instructed to do so by your artist. For the first few days, clean the tattoo with warm water and unscented soap, and pat dry. Once the tattoo has gotten a little flaky, apply a small amount of unscented lotion to the tattoo, enough to moisturize, but not make it slimy. Do not pick at or scratch the tattoo. Your tattoo will appear dull or muted for a little bit, but as your skin continues to heal, this will pass.

+ Are there restrictions before or after getting tattooed?

We will not tattoo sunburned or damaged skin, anyone under 18, anyone pregnant, or anyone that is visibly intoxicated. After the tattoo, you must keep the area out of direct sunlight as much as possible and avoid it completely for at least 2 weeks. For the first 2 weeks, keep the tattoo out of pools, saunas, hot tubs, lakes, baths (showers are okay!), or other bodies of water.

+ What won't you tattoo?

Every artist has their own limits and may choose to tattoo or not tattoo something based on their own discretion and experience. But as a rule, we will NOT do any tattoos that are unsafe, racist or bigoted in any way, are on someone visibly intoxicated, or that will not hold up well over time. We also generally won’t do face, neck, or hand tattoos on people who are not already heavily, visibly tattooed. Each artist will go over reasoning for declining to tattoo you and answer any questions you may have.